Paneling
One of our favorite ways to add character to a room. From classic beadboard to beautiful picture frame molding, we're sharing six styles we love, where they work best, and the little details that make all the difference.
Six wall paneling styles
V-Groove
Clean, simple lines with just enough texture. We love V-groove for adding character without making a room feel too busy.
- Where we use it
- Bedrooms (especially children's rooms), mudrooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and ceilings. It's a beautiful way to bring a little personality to a space.
- What we watch for
- The width of the boards makes a big difference. Wider boards feel more relaxed, while narrower spacing creates a more traditional look.
- Investment
- Middle of the road
Nickel Gap
Similar to shiplap, but with a more defined, consistent gap between each board. It's a great way to introduce texture while keeping the overall look clean.
- Where we use it
- Bedrooms, accent walls, living spaces, and ceilings. We especially like it when we want a subtle architectural detail.
- What we watch for
- The spacing and installation really matter here. We want the finished wall to feel intentional and seamlessly incorporated into the room.
- Investment
- Middle of the road
Shiplap
A classic way to bring texture and a relaxed feel to a space. Depending on the width, direction, and paint color, shiplap can feel traditional, coastal, or a little more modern.
- Where we use it
- Sunrooms, porches, kitchens, and casual living spaces. It's especially pretty in rooms where we want a cozy, layered look.
- What we watch for
- We pay attention to the scale and how it works with the rest of the home. The goal is to add character without making the room feel overly themed.
- Investment
- Most budget friendly
Beadboard
One of those classic details that never really goes out of style. Beadboard brings charm and texture, especially to smaller spaces.
- Where we use it
- Bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, playrooms, and children's bedrooms. We especially love it in spaces that could use a little extra charm.
- What we watch for
- The scale of the beadboard matters. We want it to complement the room rather than overwhelm it, especially when working with smaller walls.
- Investment
- Most budget friendly
Board & Batten
A favorite for adding architectural interest to an otherwise simple wall. It creates beautiful dimension while still feeling classic and understated.
- Where we use it
- Entryways, hallways, bedrooms, dining rooms, and staircases. It's especially lovely in rooms that need a little more definition.
- What we watch for
- Proportion is everything. We carefully consider the spacing, height, and placement so the paneling feels balanced with the rest of the room.
- Investment
- Middle of the road
Picture Frame Molding
One of our favorite ways to make a room feel a little more finished. Picture frame molding adds a beautiful, timeless detail without needing a lot of pattern or color.
- Where we use it
- Dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. We love it for adding elegance without making a space feel overly formal.
- What we watch for
- The size and spacing of the frames are so important. We consider everything from furniture placement to windows and doors to make sure the layout feels natural.
- Investment
- More labor and planning
Nothing here yet for that room.
Investment varies depending on materials, scale, and installation details.
How high should it go?
The height of your paneling can completely change the feel of a room. Sometimes a classic, lower wainscoting is all you need. Other times, taking it higher creates a beautiful architectural statement. It really comes down to the proportions of the space and the look we're trying to achieve.
Classic
Around one-third of the wall height. A timeless choice that adds character without taking over the room.
Tall
Typically around 48–54 inches. We love this height for creating a little more presence, especially in bathrooms and mudrooms.
Two-Thirds
A more dramatic look that can make a room feel extra cozy and thoughtfully designed.
Full Height
Floor to ceiling. A beautiful way to bring texture and architectural interest to an entire room.
A little design tip: There's no one-size-fits-all height. We look at the ceiling height, windows, furniture, and existing trim before deciding where the paneling should stop.
The details that make it look built in.
Think about the whole room
We always look at where the paneling meets windows, doors, baseboards, and existing trim. These little transitions can make all the difference in how finished the room feels.
Choose the right finish
Paint color and sheen can completely change the look. We love a finish that highlights the detail without feeling too shiny or distracting.
Consider the color
Sometimes matching the paneling to the wall creates the prettiest, most subtle effect. Other times, a little contrast is exactly what the room needs. Both can be beautiful when done thoughtfully.
We love how something as simple as paneling can completely transform a room. It adds the character and architectural detail that so many homes are missing, and when done well, it feels like it was always meant to be there.
We'd love to see it.
Thinking about adding paneling to your home? Send us a photo and tell us a little about the space. We'd love to hear what you're envisioning.
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